Elevate Your Expertise

Every September, Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association (SC&RA) hosts the well-attended Crane & Rigging Workshop — a comprehensive two-and-a-half-day event providing those within the crane and rigging industry with education, training and networking opportunities.

This year, the workshop will take place on Sept. 24-26, and will be held at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa in Glendale, Arizona.

Beth O’Quinn, senior vice president of SC&RA, told Crane Hot Line that the Crane & Rigging Workshop is a must-attend for all crane and rigging professionals.

“This annual event brings together hundreds of industry professionals,” she explained. “From crane operators to safety directors, operating managers, project managers, all the way up through presidents and CEOs of companies throughout the world — if you’re in crane and rigging, this is the place to be.”

The event covers industry topics from legal education, OSHA standards and regulatory updates to cutting-edge technology and safety practices.

What to Expect

While attending the Crane & Rigging Workshop, attendees can expect to receive industry-related education, training and dedicated networking time.

The goal of the workshop is to offer industry stakeholders information and training on how to operate safely, effectively and more efficiently.

Education Sessions & Speakers

Workshop sessions are provided throughout the event emphasizing training, equipment maintenance, cutting-edge technology and current issues affecting the industry.

“We provide over 13 education sessions, and this year we are featuring 33 industry professionals who are themselves working within the industry. They share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics. These session topics are the nuts and bolts for crane and rigging professionals.”

Industry-Specific Networking

In addition to the education sessions, networking breaks are scheduled throughout the workshop. These time slots allow for attendees to meet and discuss issues that are impacting their industry with like-minded professionals.

“The conversations, networking, partnerships and even friendships that have resulted because of their attendance are always happening. It’s a lot of networking and connecting with others within the industry who are facing some of the same challenges that you are.”

The Exhibit Center

The Exhibit Center hosts over 80 booths of SC&RA members that display new equipment, services and products. During the workshop, a three-hour time slot is devoted to networking and spending time with the exhibitors.

“We have no competing education or other networking breaks during that time,” O’Quinn told us. “This gives attendees time to talk with the exhibitors about their challenges, ask questions and discover resources available to address their specific issues.”

SC&RA Open Committee Meetings

Over the two days, SC&RA committee meetings take place and are open to any and all workshop attendees. Meetings include SC&RA Safety Education & Training, Tower Cranes, and Labor and Governing.

“Workshop attendees are welcome to attend and ask questions,” O’Quinn said. “During these meetings, we’ll be hearing from critical industry-specific guest speakers. Attending these meetings helps attendees gain a deeper understanding of who SC&RA is and what we do in specific industry areas.”

Guest speakers at this year’s meetings include an SC&RA Australian partner and a key OSHA lawyer.

Workshop Main Highlights

All sessions are equally important, but there are two sessions this year that really standout.

Opening Session: The Plaintiff’s Playbook

This year’s opening session includes a mock courtroom trial. The goal is to provide attendees with information on what to expect should they ever have to deal with a lawsuit.

“Everyone in the industry knows that insurance is a very hot topic,” O’Quinn said. “The Plaintiff’s Playbook will show attendees what the lawsuit process is like and how to win in the courtroom.”

The opening session will include two attorneys — a plaintiff attorney and a defense attorney. Both will perform a live mock trial filled with tips and detailed information on how to approach lawsuits on either side of the courtroom.

“They’ll learn what the plaintiff’s attorney is going to ask and how they’re going to go about winning the case. The defense attorney will then share their perspective, performing the complete opposite and showing exactly how you can win against the lawsuit.”

Keynote Session: Scotty Smiley

Scotty Smiley with Hope Unseen will be delivering the event’s keynote session. Smiley is the first ever blind active-duty officer in military history. He lost his sight in 2005 following a face-to-face confrontation with Iraqi terrorists.

In addition to his remarkable story, Smiley has maintained his service to the United States, going on to do tandem skydiving with the U.S. Army school. He’s also climbed Mount Rainier and completed an IRONMAN competition.

In 2007, Smiley was awarded Soldier of the Year, and in 2008 he won an ESPY award.

“With the upcoming election and changes in the industry, Scotty will share his experience, showing others how you can overcome adversity and not allow your adversity to blind you,” O’Quinn added. “I’m really excited that he will be with us this year.”

Why You Should Attend

Attending the Crane & Rigging Workshop offers companies and the industry workforce with many benefits.

Why attend:

• In-person networking opportunities with over 600 industry professionals.
• Learn from experts in the industry.
• Improve safety protocols and overall performance.
• Access new and innovative products from 80+ exhibitors.
• Get answers to questions across the crane and rigging business spectrum.

“We say it’s the place to be if you’re in crane and rigging,” O’Quinn concluded. “Our goal is about bringing the industry together. You don’t have to be an SC&RA member to attend. We believe in keeping the doors open to everyone, so that everyone has the chance to succeed.”